Western Australia’s charm lies in its hidden treasures and Sandy Cape Recreation Park stands as a testament to this allure. Tucked along the coastline as you are travelling Western Australia, this park remains a pristine sanctuary, beckoning adventurers seeking nature's untouched beauty. In a world bustling with tourist hotspots, Sandy Cape's tranquillity offers a reprieve, drawing you in with its unspoiled landscapes and rich biodiversity.
The focus of this blog post is to showcase Sandy Cape Recreation Park as a must stop destination as you are travelling Western Australia. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure filled experience, from snorkelling to 4WDriving, Sandy Cape Recreation Park has something for everyone.
Sandy Cape Recreation Park Campground
Located only 10 kilometres north of Jurien Bay, Sandy Cape Recreation Park is a popular recreational beach camp that offers 88 accessible sites with easy access for two-wheel drive vehicles. For those with four-wheel drives, more camping spots are available to explore.
Travelling to the campsite involves 5 kilometres of sealed road and 2 kilometres of compacted limestone gravel. The campsite also offers amenities for day visitors including parking, barbecue facilities, picnic areas, walkways and access to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the region.
As you make your way towards the campground, at the end of the sealed road you will find an information stand. Situated on the left-hand side of the road are maps and campground details as well as a dump point. On the right, you'll find garbage bins, conveniently located for your waste disposal needs. As you continue along the road, the picturesque campground will unfold before your eyes, revealing multiple paths that branch off in different directions, each leading to a unique and breathtaking camping experience.
If you're planning on camping at Sandy Cape Recreation Camp, keep in mind that sites are on a first come, first serve basis. Unfortunately, pre-booking is not an option. The campground does provide a toilet, beach shower and BBQ facilities, although no drinking water is available. Generators can be used until 9 pm every night. If you're bringing your dog they must be kept on a leash in certain areas.
A full-time caretaker is available to collect fees or help if you have any questions or need assistance. There are two ways to pay camp fees, either at the information post located at the entrance or with the caretakers. They also have an honesty box if they are unavailable on your arrival. Camping fees apply to the entire area, including the sections to the north and south of the campsite. It is essential to keep your receipt, as Rangers frequently patrol the area, just pop it on your dash. The camp cost is $20.00 per night for two adults and two children, with an additional $3.00 per extra adult.
The camping sites at Sandy Cape Recreation Park are divided into two types – those nestled amongst trees or the more open sites. Campfires are allowed from April (excluding Easter) to September. Fires must be contained in a fire pit and you should bring your own wood. During peak periods, Sandy Cape Recreation Park can fill up quickly. It's advisable to have a backup plan in case of unavailability. (Milligan Island Eco Camp is approx. 40km north)
For those with a high clearance 4WD, adventurous and self-contained, camping directly on the beach at Sandy Cape Recreation Park is an option. There are designated areas for camping on the beach several kilometres to the north of the primary campground.
Watch our YouTube video to see Sandy Cape Recreation Park
Exploring Sandy Cape Recreation Park
At Sandy Cape Recreation Park, one of the most popular activities is fishing. Along the shoreline, people can be seen throwing in a line, with common catches including tailor, herring, bream, and mulloway.
Sandy Cape Recreation Park does not have any designated facility for launching boats. However, if you have a 4WD, it is possible to launch small boats from the beach. Beach conditions can vary and are subject to tides and weather conditions so check the weather forecast and tide times before attempting to launch a boat.
Sandy Cape offers a range of 4WD tracks suitable for both novice and advanced drivers. These tracks mainly follow the coastline north and south of the campground, providing opportunities for adventure. The sand here is soft, so let some air out of your tyres before setting out on the tracks. Depending on your vehicle weight and tyre size, around 15-16 PSI is recommended for driving on the beach sand.
As you approach the beach, you'll be greeted by towering sand dunes that form a magnificent natural backdrop. The sand on the beach is incredibly soft, making it an ideal spot for sandboarding enthusiasts to glide down the dunes. If you're looking to give sandboarding a try, you can rent a board from the caretakers for just $20. Take a moment to appreciate the stunning surroundings before heading off on your high-speed adventure down the dunes.
Take a walk up to the lookout to experience the breathtaking scenery. The lookout can be accessed from the beach. As you walk along the beach, you'll come across some large dunes to your left. Follow the paths up and you'll reach a lookout point that offers panoramic views of the ocean. The scenery is absolutely stunning! We settled on the lookout ledge with our drinks and nibbles, admiring the serene sunset over the ocean.
Sandy Cape Recreation Park is a great spot for swimming and snorkelling. The water is a bright turquoise colour, crystal clear and protected from the elements, which makes it perfect for snorkelling. As Sandy Cape Recreation Park is situated within the Jurien Bay Marine Park, you can get a glimpse of some rare marine wildlife.
Sandy Cape Recreation Park is a great destination for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding due to the calm waters that are largely protected by the surrounding bays. These bays serve as natural barriers, making the waters much more manageable and safer for outdoor water activities. With the serene waters, you can easily explore the stunning coastline and its features, including the picturesque beaches, cliffs and rock formations. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced paddler, Sandy Cape Recreation Park offers a great experience and a chance to enjoy the beauty of the ocean.
Jurien Bay Seaside Beauty
We travelled from Sandy Cape to Jurien Bay a number of times throughout our stay at Sandy Cape mainly to top up with drinking water. Just in front of the service station, you will find taps with free drinking water. Such a bonus when travelling Western Australia and particularly when off-grid. The town also offers a small supermarket with fresh produce and supplies.
Bordered by the Indian Ocean, Jurien Bay town's focal point is its picturesque jetty, a charming spot to soak in panoramic views, cast a line, or simply revel in the coastal beauty. We dined at the Jetty cafe and had the best fish and chips with a cold beer.
There is much more to do if you decide to stay in town as it offers a haven for snorkelling, diving, and fishing amid vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. The town centre exudes a lovely relaxed ambience. Quaint cafes and a bakery offer freshly brewed coffee.
Jurien Bay Sea Lions Tour
Jurien Bay is home to a colony of Australian sea lions and going on a tour to swim with them was one of the most fun experiences we had. These puppies of the sea are curious, playful and quite happy to come up and say hello to any people that swim into their patch of water.
The Jurien Bay sea lions live in colonies on the small islands off Jurien Bay. Our tour went to the colony on Essex Rock, with an early morning start. We swam in April which meant it wasn’t too cold. We went out with the team from Turquoise Safaris and fantastic. They were organised and informative but still brought a relaxed and fun vibe to the morning.
Watch our YouTube video to see the very cute Sea Lions
Experience the Beauty of Stockyard Gully Caves
We travelled to Stockyard Gully Cave from Sandy Cape via Greenhead. What a great day out exploring both the coast before turning inland to the National Park. It's just a short drive north with approx. 60km driving.
Stockyard Gully Caves can be approached from two ends. The 'southern' approach is from Cockleshell Gully Road. There are 10 kilometres of good gravel road and then four kilometres of sand track to the park boundary. The 'northern' end is approached from Eneabba/Coolimba Road, via the Pearsons Track near Lake Indoon - however, this is strictly for experienced 4WDrivers as it is much rougher and less used than the Cockleshell Gully Rd. No permits are needed for the Stockyard Gully trek and it's free to enter. Contact Jurien Bay Parks and Wildlife Office if you want to check for conditions before you leave.
Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Stockyard Gully Caves and discover the stunning rock formations and fascinating geological features. The flora and fauna are spectacular in contrast to the sandy and rocky terrain. We've visited twice and can say that it's a must-see destination for those who want to enjoy a memorable and accessible outdoor adventure.
Bringing a reliable and high-quality torch should be your number one priority. You'll definitely need it for the tunnel walk as it is completely dark once you get into the cave. On our first visit, we made the mistake of thinking our mobile phone light would be fine. Needless to say, it was a complete disaster!
While the floor is generally sandy we suggest you wear comfortable footwear as it can be hard to see where you're stepping and at times there may be some water in certain areas. The primary cave has a length of around 300 meters from entrance to entrance and features a sandy bottom. We walked through and along the track at the other end, then turned around and walked back through. This was the easiest way for us to get back to our car.
Watch our YouTube video to see Stockyard Gully Caves
Exploring Greenhead and Milligan Island Eco Camping
On our way to Stockyard Gully, we decided to make a stop at Greenhead, a picturesque coastal town that boasts a tranquil atmosphere and unspoiled beaches. Upon arriving in Greenhead, we took a leisurely drive around town, admiring the quaint little houses and charming shops that line these beachside streets. We then headed to the lookouts, where we were treated to breathtaking views of the town and the Indian Ocean.
We then drove to Milligan Island Eco Campsite, just north of Greenhead township which is accessible via a short unsealed road that is suitable for all types of vehicles. We were able to drive straight onto the beach, where we were met with a spectacular view of the Indian Ocean and an array of fascinating rock formations. We didn't spend a long time here as we were on our way to Stockyard Gully, however, this is one to add to our list of future camping destinations.
Continuing our journey Travelling Western Australia
As we continue our journey travelling Western Australia, it’s impossible not to be spellbound by the sheer diversity and breathtaking beauty of Sandy Cape Recreation Park, Jurien Bay, Stockyard Gully, Greenhead and Milligan Island Eco Campsite.
From the coastlines of Jurien Bay to the tranquil expanses of Sandy Cape, each destination holds a unique allure. The stunning views, the vibrant marine life, the ancient limestone formations of Stockyard Gully, the serene charm of Greenhead, and the eco-friendly allure of Milligan Island Eco Campsite create an unforgettable experience for every type of traveller.
We hope you are feeling inspired to take your own journey through Western Australia. Whether you seek exhilarating adventures or serene retreats, this region invites you to explore, discover and immerse yourself in its wonders. Travelling Western Australia is just spectacular!
